Derek Pluck

Dr Pluck was my A Level Biology teacher (1981). I think of "Uncle Derek" often and still talk about him to my siblings and own children. He was a bigger than life figure who gave of his huge amount of knowledge and kindness unconditionally. Loved his wonderful humour and innovative teaching including how to memorise the map of the London Underground!! Lots of lovely memories and lives touched for the better. Rest in Peace

Dr Pluck just sprung to my mind- sad to hear he has passed away. I learnt so much from him. He taught me A level Biology 1986-1988. His great sense of humour helped us all learn and he helped make Biology a very interesting subject. Even the microbiology was fun. I went on to complete 3 degrees in Biological sciences and I now work in Genetics. You believed in me Derek when others doubted my academic capabilities. Rest well Derek. You were the best Jacqui Hoyle PhD

Of all the teachers I experienced in my academic career, this wonderful, funny man was the best. Derek was hugely Intelligent and a talented teacher with a very human side. I still tell one of the jokes he recounted.... some things don't need improving Rest easy Derek, you changed so many lives for the better.

Derek was a wonderful teacher and mentor to me during my A Levels in the mid-80's. I have often thought of him over the years and remain eternally grateful for all that he did for me. His wit and wisdom will be a great loss.

I knew Derek through U3A.He was a most remarkable man. His knowledge of music and composers was so extensive. I found him such an interesting person. I will miss him very much and my hope is that wherever he is, he is at peace.
Philip.A. Carter

Derek taught me 'A' level Human Physiology in the 90's as a mature student. Couldn't wait to get to his lessons. He was a fabulous teacher with a great sense of humour. Who could ever forget the Golgi body! My sincere condolences to his family and close friends. An irreplaceable soul. x

Derek Pluck was born to teach and inspire a love of learning. He taught me and two of my siblings A Level Biology at Preston College. I still remember his imitation of the dissection process. He was a fun loving, kind and gentle man. God bless him and sincere condolences to his family.

As a member of Preston U3A, an association for older people,along with my husband we will miss Derek so much for all he did for the U3A, including all the interesting talks he did on a variety of different subjects. What a clever man he was and he put such a lot work into researching the subjects and I know he had more ready to present to us.So hard to think we won't see him again.